WICKER PARK — Goddess and Grocer is getting ready for its big move next month — but its new location will be just a "scone's throw" away, its owner says.
The neighborhood grocer in Wicker Park is moving across the street to 1649 N. Damen Ave., a shuttered building that was once home to the neighborhood's only Dairy Queen/Orange Julius.
The new location features a 4,000-square-foot spacious layout over two stories that will include a self-serve salad bar, dining area, coffee bar and —if summer ever comes — an outdoor patio, its owner Debbie Sharpe said.
Sharpe said the gourmet grocer and deli she founded in 2004 has outgrown its space. She referred to the move as being a switch to "the sunny side" of the street, since there is typically more sun on the east side of Damen than the west.
"Although I may shed a little tear when shutting down our original space, we are so grateful and happy to be moving to a bigger spot in the same vibrant community where we launched the first Goddess,” said Sharpe, CEO/Owner of The Goddess Restaurant Group.
Sharpe, a former caterer to rock ‘n' roll royalty like the Rolling Stones and Paul and Linda McCartney, said the new digs would come with an updated and expanded menu and would feature a selection of local artisanal products and beers.
The Goddess and Grocer will be offering stuffed French Toast prepared with challah, Nutella and caramelized banana, while veggie lovers can enjoy Tofu Banh Mi with marinated tofu, pickled veggies, cilantro, jalapeno and aioli on a French baguette, among other menu highlights.
Popular artisan products that are currently available at Goddess and Grocer, such as Chef Bill Kim’s Urban Belly Sauces, flavor sauces and rubs by Chef Stephanie Izard and Twisted Spoke’s Bloody Mary mix, will continue to be sold at the grocer, Sharpe said.
While the ground floor will offer a self-serve salad bar, fresh meats, a large selection of local beers and small-batch wines, and a small dining area, the second floor will offer a dining room and outdoor patio, both available for private events.
Tapping into Chicago’s growing beer culture, The Goddess and Grocer will sell local craft beers from Revolution, 3 Floyd’s, Pipeworks, Solemn Oath and Off Color; and Midwest microbrews like Jolly Pumpkin, Dark Horse, Founders and Bells.
Sharpe's company operates six businesses: Feast restaurant in Bucktown; four Goddess and Grocer restaurants; and The Goddess Rocks!, which currently offers catering services for concert tours and festivals.
